Settled upon by waves of Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic civilisations, the tumbling hills and rock-strewn crags which characterise Sardinia are home to over 7,000 prehistoric structures, the oldest of which dates back 150,000 years. Due to the sandal-shaped island’s position between Italy, France, Tunisia and Corsica, it is steeped in stories of conquest and has been used as a strategic trading route for centuries.

Many launch their travels from Sardinia’s capital Cagliari, a golden-hued hive heavily punctuated with Palazzo-style architecture, pavement-sprawled cafes and vistas of the Golfo degli Angeli (Bay of Angels). Plenty of precious relics lie within its centre, including the charming hilltop castle district with its Citadel of Museums and the ornate Cattedrale di Santa Maria. With a hire car, revered archaeological site Su Nuraxi – a Nuragic bastion dating back to the 13th century BC – and the mosaic-encrusted pre-Roman-era remains in Nora are easily accessed.

Cagliari is a good starting point for a tour around Sardinia’s abundant bodegas. Traverse rural plains, lofty peaks and boundless bays to sample the region’s potent Cannonau wine, a lively pairing with the freshly baked breads, hearty stews, cheeses and sausages common to the local cuisine.

Although summer is the busiest season, Sardinia’s balmy Mediterranean warmth and glimmering shores entice beach lovers during spring and autumn too. The snow-capped peaks rising from the central Gennargentu masiff are a paradise for skiers throughout the winter months.

Olbia is the main gateway to the coveted Costa Smeralda and its seaside resort Porto Cervo, which houses a glamourous selection of boutique hotels, seafood restaurants and designer shops. Many flock to this picturesque coastline, and hiring a car with Avis means you can discover a secluded cove for yourself.

To truly escape the crowds, mountainous Ogliastra is the most sparsely populated district in Italy and offers fantastic hiking routes across the Gorroppu Gorge in addition to peaceful swimming lagoons. From Alghero, the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Cave) clings onto the edge of Sardinia’s west coast. This stalactite-hung sea cave can only be accessed when the waves surrounding it are calm. With so many remarkable sights and attractions to travel to in every corner of this captivating island, including one of the world’s most enchanting stalagmites rising up into the fairytale Grotta di Ispinigoli, rent a car with Avis to really make the most of Sardinia.